I want to buy a 2nd hand BMW for under 125k what are my best options.

[Teezoh]

I see some on this forum recommending turd cards like the VW Polo (pronounced with a silent L) and the Swift.

I can only share my opinion and experience you need to decide end of the day. As my first car I ended up not getting a Civic Type-R and going for a newer Kia Picanto. The Type-R was slightly out of my budget and family were unable to assist me with the additional R10k I needed and the Kia was newer with lower mileage and had an amazing "claimed" fuel consumption. I did not know much about cars at this time, I was more into bikes. Looking back to the options I was offered, such as a Toyota MR2 (I felt it was too old and too risky in terms of potential maintenance) and a Renault Clio "sporty" 1.6L were suggestions from the salesman, I wonder if that MR2 might not have been a better choice.

Purchasing the Picanto was the worst purchase I have ever made. I still regret that purchase to this day. The biggest waste of money I feel.
Why? Not because it was unreliable, no, I never had any major issues with it at all and everything worked as it should. Not because it is a bad car, no, for the price and the features it had at the time I feel it was well spec'd for a budget vehicle. This was at a time when the VW Poo came without a radio as standard and had manual windows - the Picanto had a sunroof, auto lights, electric windows all around and a bluetooth radio.

The reason I hated the purchase and regret purchasing the car was because its firstly slow AF, good luck trying to overtake a delivery bike even. With the aircon on you have to have the patients of a monk. The accelerator is more an on/off switch.
I was lacking in knowledge and the claimed fuel consumption was far from what I was actually getting. So my one big justification I used to convince myself this is a car which makes more sense was a lie. I would average 6.5 to 7.2 L/100km in a tiny 1.2L with no power.
The stock speakers were also useless, you might as well play music through your phone. The experience would be similar, so I obviously had to dump some money into some proper sound, besides with it being as slow as it was I needed something to help keep me calm and busy behind the wheel.

I hated it so much that for the first 2 to 3 years of ownership I don't think I even put R15k on it as I mostly used my bike as that at least had power and was lighter on fuel even when pushing it.


So while going for a turd of a car as your first car might work some, for me it was a decision and purchase I regret. Its a lot of money to spend on a purchase, especially when one is so young. I sold it as soon as I got the Audi and boy was I glad to get rid of it! The years before purchasing the Audi did lead to many nights of being extremely unhappy and browsing autotrader and pondering WTF to do as selling it and buying something else felt like a big waste of money as well and just an all round losing situation.

The flip side to this is purchasing an old, beaten up car which is unreliable and requires you to spend money you don't have and you seldom get to drive it as it's often in for repairs.

So something in the middle makes the most sense I feel, you know yourself best and what you would be happy with and able to live with. I guess what is most important to you as well plays a big role.
I struggle to drive something that doesn't move when you put your foot flat. I am all for these tiny cars being scrapped and implementing a minimum KW limit on any vehicle being sold, I know this is unrealistic and will never happen though. lol
The irony is that I do not necessarily drive fast or in an unsafe manner when I am in a vehicle which has a bit of power, I just dislike feeling limited.

Hmm, advice misheard, you have. Buy a Polo, never the message was. Focus on what truly matters, young one should. Flashy car, a fleeting thing it is—distraction from wiser paths, it becomes.

Strong foundation for life, build you must. Invest in skills, knowledge, and future, not just speed or spinning wheels. Impress others, you seek? Impress yourself first, with growth and wisdom.

Remember, a car cool does not make you—your actions, your journey, and your heart, they do. Patience, young padawan. Flash later, thrive now, you will.

 

[AshG108]

I would rate for that price an E90 320d or E87 120d, both cars require little maintenance, 2/3 major items i.e. gearbox service, dampener pulley and DP+Software to remove the CAT for turbo longevity.

A lot of information around on maintenance and they are not as hot to thieves when it comes to insurance however your age will play a part here. Otherwise, many cars are insurance hot pots....I drive a Polo 6 TDi and so does my brother in law, they are hot on the list but we use them for daily run arounds and also not taking them to hotspot areas. They are cheap to maintain and great cars but I would rather you look at something that doesn't have this stigma attached to it.

Toyotas are VERY hot subjects, stay away but if you want german, a Audi A3 TDi can be had for good money and are reliable motors too.

 

[Joshua Turner]

Weirdly, I see nobody has recommended a good old E36? Not cool enough for the kids these days?

You can pick up a very nicely looked after 318is for under 70k, that will provide some fun, should be cheap to maintain and fuel, and isnt too fast for a first car. You dont want to find yourself having a closer look at the scenery, backwards, in your "new" BMW.

From very recent personal experience, you are really going to struggle to find a decent E90 at your price point. E46 makes more sense, but then you need to have the right attitude when it comes to problem solving and repairs. As a rule of thumb, mechanics lead you down a path of despair and financial ruin.

I bought a "clean" E46 330i for around 70 and very quickly spent another 70k on it to get it "nice" and to shorten the "pre-drive" prayer time. I did not pay one cent in labor, so you can double that amount if the car were going to mechanics. However, I love my car, I think it is the coolest thing since sliced bread and will never part ways with it.

As a side question, why do you want an auto? Personally, I think there should be a law that everyone's first car MUST be a manual. More fun, better driver, less maintenance/repairs.a

Weirdly, I see nobody has recommended a good old E36? Not cool enough for the kids these days?

You can pick up a very nicely looked after 318is for under 70k, that will provide some fun, should be cheap to maintain and fuel, and isnt too fast for a first car. You dont want to find yourself having a closer look at the scenery, backwards, in your "new" BMW.

From very recent personal experience, you are really going to struggle to find a decent E90 at your price point. E46 makes more sense, but then you need to have the right attitude when it comes to problem solving and repairs. As a rule of thumb, mechanics lead you down a path of despair and financial ruin.

I bought a "clean" E46 330i for around 70 and very quickly spent another 70k on it to get it "nice" and to shorten the "pre-drive" prayer time. I did not pay one cent in labor, so you can double that amount if the car were going to mechanics. However, I love my car, I think it is the coolest thing since sliced bread and will never part ways with it.

As a side question, why do you want an auto? Personally, I think there should be a law that everyone's first car MUST be a manual. More fun, better driver, less maintenance/repairs.

For me getting an automatic is personal preference. I am more than capable of driving a manual I just dont want the hassle expecially in the area I'm in with loads of stop streets speed bumps and robots everywhere I dont want a manual as it's a hassle to me personally

 

[Joshua Turner]

Th

I would rate for that price an E90 320d or E87 120d, both cars require little maintenance, 2/3 major items i.e. gearbox service, dampener pulley and DP+Software to remove the CAT for turbo longevity.

A lot of information around on maintenance and they are not as hot to thieves when it comes to insurance however your age will play a part here. Otherwise, many cars are insurance hot pots....I drive a Polo 6 TDi and so does my brother in law, they are hot on the list but we use them for daily run arounds and also not taking them to hotspot areas. They are cheap to maintain and great cars but I would rather you look at something that doesn't have this stigma attached to it.

Toyotas are VERY hot subjects, stay away but if you want german, a Audi A3 TDi can be had for good money and are reliable motors too.

Thank you alot for the advice I also do like myself an audi A4/A5 in the TDI variant. Do they come with the same reliable motor as the A3?

 

[Joshua Turner]

I see some on this forum recommending turd cards like the VW Polo (pronounced with a silent L) and the Swift.

I can only share my opinion and experience you need to decide end of the day. As my first car I ended up not getting a Civic Type-R and going for a newer Kia Picanto. The Type-R was slightly out of my budget and family were unable to assist me with the additional R10k I needed and the Kia was newer with lower mileage and had an amazing "claimed" fuel consumption. I did not know much about cars at this time, I was more into bikes. Looking back to the options I was offered, such as a Toyota MR2 (I felt it was too old and too risky in terms of potential maintenance) and a Renault Clio "sporty" 1.6L were suggestions from the salesman, I wonder if that MR2 might not have been a better choice.

Purchasing the Picanto was the worst purchase I have ever made. I still regret that purchase to this day. The biggest waste of money I feel.
Why? Not because it was unreliable, no, I never had any major issues with it at all and everything worked as it should. Not because it is a bad car, no, for the price and the features it had at the time I feel it was well spec'd for a budget vehicle. This was at a time when the VW Poo came without a radio as standard and had manual windows - the Picanto had a sunroof, auto lights, electric windows all around and a bluetooth radio.

The reason I hated the purchase and regret purchasing the car was because its firstly slow AF, good luck trying to overtake a delivery bike even. With the aircon on you have to have the patients of a monk. The accelerator is more an on/off switch.
I was lacking in knowledge and the claimed fuel consumption was far from what I was actually getting. So my one big justification I used to convince myself this is a car which makes more sense was a lie. I would average 6.5 to 7.2 L/100km in a tiny 1.2L with no power.
The stock speakers were also useless, you might as well play music through your phone. The experience would be similar, so I obviously had to dump some money into some proper sound, besides with it being as slow as it was I needed something to help keep me calm and busy behind the wheel.

I hated it so much that for the first 2 to 3 years of ownership I don't think I even put R15k on it as I mostly used my bike as that at least had power and was lighter on fuel even when pushing it.


So while going for a turd of a car as your first car might work some, for me it was a decision and purchase I regret. Its a lot of money to spend on a purchase, especially when one is so young. I sold it as soon as I got the Audi and boy was I glad to get rid of it! The years before purchasing the Audi did lead to many nights of being extremely unhappy and browsing autotrader and pondering WTF to do as selling it and buying something else felt like a big waste of money as well and just an all round losing situation.

The flip side to this is purchasing an old, beaten up car which is unreliable and requires you to spend money you don't have and you seldom get to drive it as it's often in for repairs.

So something in the middle makes the most sense I feel, you know yourself best and what you would be happy with and able to live with. I guess what is most important to you as well plays a big role.
I struggle to drive something that doesn't move when you put your foot flat. I am all for these tiny cars being scrapped and implementing a minimum KW limit on any vehicle being sold, I know this is unrealistic and will never happen though. lol
The irony is that I do not necessarily drive fast or in an unsafe manner when I am in a vehicle which has a bit of power, I just dislike feeling limited.

I completely understand you. I know I'd be the exact same. I am also a bike guy funny enough I have myself a nice kawasaki Z800 that really shows me some nice acceleration when I give it some beans and it gives me a thrill and makes me love and enjoy riding it. I'm worried also however when I get or choose the car that I'll eventually drive that it won't give the thrill or any excitement at all to love or enjoy it as much as you've mentioned previously. The feeling of being restricted. I just don't know yet what fully suits me. I'm still on the hunt and I'm not set on anything as of yet, however I'm looking for something with decent acceleration that I can still get a thrill from and have it be reliable aswell. I'm hoping you can maybe advise a car for me to look into. It doesn't have to be a BMW at all just still on the hunt. I don't mind getting a BMW later down the line.

 

[Zach]

Not sure if you would be interested in a 2007 Z4 coupe 3.0si? It belongs to a friend, its around your budget and will give you thrills. It is however an auto but it has flappy paddles lol.

 

[FILV]

like i stated earlier, be patient, get a E90 320D but be realistic and expect mileage from 170000km upwards, which if it was well looked after wont be a problem

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[AshG108]

Th

Thank you alot for the advice I also do like myself an audi A4/A5 in the TDI variant. Do they come with the same reliable motor as the A3?

The TDi variant is very reliable, require more or less the same maintenance as the BMW diesel bar a few things here and there. Like tappet covers leak easily on the VAG variants. Boost pipes develop leaks a bit quick but once you own them and during these repairs you can upgrade those components to better aftermarket alternatives and then you improve the reliability.

I personally have the 1.6TDi on the Polo and it is a real peach of a motor, puts down the power very well and super light on diesel consumption. Many of the later model A3 owners with the 1.6TDis have the same feedback. Getting a 2.0TDi will be harder because they will hold a higher price but you do get power out of them and can play a bit with a remap and DP.
The 1.6 can also be played with but for my usage, the 1.6TDi's power and fuel is perfectly suited. overseas, there are guys who remap them and even build their engines and hybrid and big turboes too.
But lookout for a decent 320d/120d - beautiful engines with sublime economy and absolute peace of mind reliabilitythis would be my best choice. I had one, regret selling it till this day. Very well balanced vehicle for what it is.

 

[Joshua Turner]

Th

The TDi variant is very reliable, require more or less the same maintenance as the BMW diesel bar a few things here and there. Like tappet covers leak easily on the VAG variants. Boost pipes develop leaks a bit quick but once you own them and during these repairs you can upgrade those components to better aftermarket alternatives and then you improve the reliability.

I personally have the 1.6TDi on the Polo and it is a real peach of a motor, puts down the power very well and super light on diesel consumption. Many of the later model A3 owners with the 1.6TDis have the same feedback. Getting a 2.0TDi will be harder because they will hold a higher price but you do get power out of them and can play a bit with a remap and DP.
The 1.6 can also be played with but for my usage, the 1.6TDi's power and fuel is perfectly suited. overseas, there are guys who remap them and even build their engines and hybrid and big turboes too.
But lookout for a decent 320d/120d - beautiful engines with sublime economy and absolute peace of mind reliabilitythis would be my best choice. I had one, regret selling it till this day. Very well balanced vehicle for what it is.

Thank you so much

 

[Joshua Turner]

Not sure if you would be interested in a 2007 Z4 coupe 3.0si? It belongs to a friend, its around your budget and will give you thrills. It is however an auto but it has flappy paddles lol.

Please attach more information and photos if possible

 

[NB92325]

Weirdly, I see nobody has recommended a good old E36? Not cool enough for the kids these days?

You can pick up a very nicely looked after 318is for under 70k, that will provide some fun, should be cheap to maintain and fuel, and isnt too fast for a first car. You dont want to find yourself having a closer look at the scenery, backwards, in your "new" BMW.

From very recent personal experience, you are really going to struggle to find a decent E90 at your price point. E46 makes more sense, but then you need to have the right attitude when it comes to problem solving and repairs. As a rule of thumb, mechanics lead you down a path of despair and financial ruin.

I bought a "clean" E46 330i for around 70 and very quickly spent another 70k on it to get it "nice" and to shorten the "pre-drive" prayer time. I did not pay one cent in labor, so you can double that amount if the car were going to mechanics. However, I love my car, I think it is the coolest thing since sliced bread and will never part ways with it.

As a side question, why do you want an auto? Personally, I think there should be a law that everyone's first car MUST be a manual. More fun, better driver, less maintenance/repairs.

To wit:

BMW 3 Series 318is for sale in Mossel Bay - ID: 27772584

Used 1996 BMW 3 Series 318is For Sale - R 85 000 - ID: 27772584

www.autotrader.co.za

Sent from my SM-S916B using Tapatalk

 

[Zach]

177 000km, he's in jhb. Wants R130k

 

[Joshua Turner]

177 000km, he's in jhb. Wants R130k

Please tell him to message me. My number is 062 321 3736

 

[PsyCLown]

I completely understand you. I know I'd be the exact same. I am also a bike guy funny enough I have myself a nice kawasaki Z800 that really shows me some nice acceleration when I give it some beans and it gives me a thrill and makes me love and enjoy riding it. I'm worried also however when I get or choose the car that I'll eventually drive that it won't give the thrill or any excitement at all to love or enjoy it as much as you've mentioned previously. The feeling of being restricted. I just don't know yet what fully suits me. I'm still on the hunt and I'm not set on anything as of yet, however I'm looking for something with decent acceleration that I can still get a thrill from and have it be reliable aswell. I'm hoping you can maybe advise a car for me to look into. It doesn't have to be a BMW at all just still on the hunt. I don't mind getting a BMW later down the line.

Haha nice, I have an older Z750S. Awesome bike, wouldn't mind something newer but it hasn't given me a reason to do so.

You've been given some decent advise already I feel. With your budget you will likely need to sacrifice somewhere.
A BMW 20d (320d, 120d etc.) would be a great vehicle, but realistically it would need to be from the E series and mileage would be on the higher side but I have seen multiple 20d's locally with over 300 000KM and they're still going.
I loooved my E90 320d, amazing car and when the time comes it makes sense keeping it as a daily and getting a nicer, newer and faster car. The infotainment system in the E90 does feel dated but you could always upgrade this if it really bothers you.
The 1 series has never really done much for me, but if you prefer that then a 120d is also a great vehicle but seems you seem to prefer a sedan or coupe to a hatch so 320d may be preferable to you.

That Z4 would be great and tick a lot of boxes, especially as a first car. Perhaps not as practical as a sedan but I don't feel your 1st car needs to be the most practical. Obviously will be heavier on fuel.

125i / 130i could be good as well, similar to the Z4 in terms of engine. Perhaps even an E90 325i / 330i, more modern than the E46 at least.

Best is to go and test drive some of these vehicles and see how you find them. Whilst a 320d is not a slouch of a car, its not exactly a performance car.
There were times when my foot was flat and I was left wanting more, but the power is sufficient and you can still have some fun with it.
I feel a 320d would be the best out of the above options with the Z4 in 2nd place.

 

[Joshua Turner]

Haha nice, I have an older Z750S. Awesome bike, wouldn't mind something newer but it hasn't given me a reason to do so.

You've been given some decent advise already I feel. With your budget you will likely need to sacrifice somewhere.
A BMW 20d (320d, 120d etc.) would be a great vehicle, but realistically it would need to be from the E series and mileage would be on the higher side but I have seen multiple 20d's locally with over 300 000KM and they're still going.
I loooved my E90 320d, amazing car and when the time comes it makes sense keeping it as a daily and getting a nicer, newer and faster car. The infotainment system in the E90 does feel dated but you could always upgrade this if it really bothers you.
The 1 series has never really done much for me, but if you prefer that then a 120d is also a great vehicle but seems you seem to prefer a sedan or coupe to a hatch so 320d may be preferable to you.

That Z4 would be great and tick a lot of boxes, especially as a first car. Perhaps not as practical as a sedan but I don't feel your 1st car needs to be the most practical. Obviously will be heavier on fuel.

125i / 130i could be good as well, similar to the Z4 in terms of engine. Perhaps even an E90 325i / 330i, more modern than the E46 at least.

Best is to go and test drive some of these vehicles and see how you find them. Whilst a 320d is not a slouch of a car, its not exactly a performance car.
There were times when my foot was flat and I was left wanting more, but the power is sufficient and you can still have some fun with it.
I feel a 320d would be the best out of the above options with the Z4 in 2nd place.

Thanks so much I really do appreciate all the advice you have given. I'll for sure take all into account when making the decision. Do you know how reliable the z4 is? I've heard it's good but just wanting a bit of confirmation besides all that I've seen already

 

[PsyCLown]

Thanks so much I really do appreciate all the advice you have given. I'll for sure take all into account when making the decision. Do you know how reliable the z4 is? I've heard it's good but just wanting a bit of confirmation besides all that I've seen already

It uses the N52 engine which I believe is pretty reliable. There are some common issues but nothing major, the worst probably being electronic water pump failure.
I am in no means an expert when it comes to the N52 though. Best is to do some research yourself and get an idea of what is to be expected.

All cars can break and all cars require maintenance. You're looking to purchase an older vehicle with higher mileage so the parts would have taken more wear.
It would be a good idea to consider doing some preventative maintenance for peace of mind and keep some cash aside for if / when some items need to be replaced and this will bode well for any future vehicles you get.

 

[Joshua Turner]

It uses the N52 engine which I believe is pretty reliable. There are some common issues but nothing major, the worst probably being electronic water pump failure.
I am in no means an expert when it comes to the N52 though. Best is to do some research yourself and get an idea of what is to be expected.

All cars can break and all cars require maintenance. You're looking to purchase an older vehicle with higher mileage so the parts would have taken more wear.
It would be a good idea to consider doing some preventative maintenance for peace of mind and keep some cash aside for if / when some items need to be replaced and this will bode well for any future vehicles you get.

I've asked the seller and they said a previous owner had already changed the water pump to prevent damage which is ideal it's a very nice car and I think I've got my heart set on it just got to see it in person of course. Thank you so much for the information. I do really appreciate all the advice and help from everyone

 

[modocrat]

2009 320d LCI Sportpack

Late 2009 LCI spec 320d Auto 181 000km Spare key Just been serviced Tyres are still fresh All electronics work Paperwork up2 date Car is clean both in and out, whatapp me on 072 415 4362 Please...

www.facebook.com

 

[PsyCLown]

2009 320d LCI Sportpack

Late 2009 LCI spec 320d Auto 181 000km Spare key Just been serviced Tyres are still fresh All electronics work Paperwork up2 date Car is clean both in and out, whatapp me on 072 415 4362 Please...

www.facebook.com

Crazy what they're selling for now. I'd have made a profit had I kept my 320d and sold it now for that price.

I've asked the seller and they said a previous owner had already changed the water pump to prevent damage which is ideal it's a very nice car and I think I've got my heart set on it just got to see it in person of course. Thank you so much for the information. I do really appreciate all the advice and help from everyone

Best is to get the invoices as well as further proof and to ensure it was done and then you can see what mileage it was done at and when next it might be necessary to consider doing it etc.

Z4 is a really cool car, the 3L engine is lovely too. Just understand and prepare yourself for the fuel consumption, especially coming from the Z800.
Good idea to try get an idea as to what you might be paying for insurance too (Naked is great to get a quick quote).

Also look at and consider when the vehicle is due for it's next service, how much tread is left on the tyres (possibly the date of manufacture for the tyres too), how much is left on the brake pads (can be to see though). It's not great having to spend money on a vehicle you just purchased, if it's necessary then at least be aware of it and plan accordingly.

I assume its the Z4 posted above in this thread? It has GP plates, so I assume its up here in Gauteng though.

 

[Joshua Turner]

Crazy what they're selling for now. I'd have made a profit had I kept my 320d and sold it now for that price.


Best is to get the invoices as well as further proof and to ensure it was done and then you can see what mileage it was done at and when next it might be necessary to consider doing it etc.

Z4 is a really cool car, the 3L engine is lovely too. Just understand and prepare yourself for the fuel consumption, especially coming from the Z800.
Good idea to try get an idea as to what you might be paying for insurance too (Naked is great to get a quick quote).

Also look at and consider when the vehicle is due for it's next service, how much tread is left on the tyres (possibly the date of manufacture for the tyres too), how much is left on the brake pads (can be to see though). It's not great having to spend money on a vehicle you just purchased, if it's necessary then at least be aware of it and plan accordingly.

I assume its the Z4 posted above in this thread? It has GP plates, so I assume its up here in Gauteng though.

Yes it is that one. It's also private sale and will cost me a bit to come up and check it out for myself